Obscure Initiative Reappears on Idaho Ballot

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho voters will once again vote on tweaking the state Constitution so lawmakers can reject rules created by executive branch agencies.

The tweak would apply to an important but tedious process that takes place in the first few weeks of each legislative session, when Idaho lawmakers review a breadth of rules submitted by executive branch agencies.

The rules vary from regulating industries to setting education standards, and even monitoring protesters at the Capitol. Once executive agencies present those rules to the Idaho Legislature, lawmakers can reject them without the governor's signature — otherwise known as a legislative veto.

This rare authority is what lawmakers want protected inside the Idaho Constitution. The ballot initiative only needs a simple majority to pass. Two years ago, residents narrowly struck down a similar proposal.